Obituary of Stephen John Ayers

Three Rivers - Stephen J. Ayers, 87, passed away May 31, 2023, at Cedarbrook Assisted Living in Ware, MA. He was born on March 15, 1936, in Massena, NY to Herbert and Esther (Rowley) Ayers. Stephen was raised in Massena, NY, and after high school he graduated from Clarkson University with a degree in engineering. Stephen's engineering path began under the Army Corps of Engineers while at Clarkson where he was involved in the construction of the Eisenhower Lock, as part of the St. Laurence Seaway. Stephen always told the story that when President Eisenhower pressed the "Ceremonial plunger", Steve was the one who flipped the "real" switch. His engineering career with General Electric brought him from Burlington, Vermont to Daytona Beach, Florida where he worked in the space program. From Florida he and his family traveled to Marathon, NY where first Kodak Corp. and then Raymond Forklift Trucks was his career. In 1977, he began a career in engineering and quality control at Smith & Wesson in Springfield and retired in 1996. In 1985 he married Nancy and moved to Three Rivers where he has lived ever since. Stephen was a master shooter, he participated in many area shooting ranges for paper target shooting. He was a member of the Springfield Revolver Club and was a member of the Smith and Wesson Pistol Team. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially taking walks with his dog Kodi. Stephen greatly enjoyed canoeing and was pleased to get Nancy in the "boat". He enjoyed card games with family and friends and swimming in his pool. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Nancy M. (Smith) Ayers and five children, Dovima Ayers, Sean Ayers, Leigh Ayers, Celeste O'Brien and Noel Ayers. He also leaves three stepdaughters, Debra Borecki, Donna Corbin and Lisa LaBonte and sisters, Phyllis and Milli and 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild and 5 step grandchildren and 6 step great grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his older brothers Bill, Bob and Carl Ayers. Calling hours will be held on Monday, June 12th from 9:00 am-10:30 am followed by a service at 10:30am in the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Dakin Humane Society in Springfield.